Buffalo just locked up Greg Dortch for their practice squad, and while everyone’s buzzing about his 99 career punt returns and that sweet 11.6 yards-per-return average he put up in 2025, that’s barely scratching the surface of what this guy can bring. Yeah, the Bills definitely needed an experienced punt returner, and Dortch fits that bill perfectly, a savvy move likely born from some special teams desperation. But trust me, there’s a whole lot more to this signing than just special teams.
This Is More Than Just Special Teams Help
The Bills’ new offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, made his first big move by trading for D.J. Moore, and for good reason. The brass clearly saw how vital it was to upgrade a receiving corps that, frankly, was one of the least dynamic in football last year. Think about it: an already thin group got hammered by an unusually high amount of injuries. They were left leaning on guys like Tyrell Shavers, Gabe Davis, and then signing Mecole Hardman and Brandin Cooks in November just to get through the stretch. Seriously, Josh Allen’s final two targeted throws of the 2025 season went to Hardman and Cooks, and neither was completed. It tells you everything you need to know about where they were at.
The Separation Problem That Just Won’t Quit
Outside of Moore and fourth-round pick Skyler Bell, the Bills haven’t added much in terms of “genuine importance” to their receiver contingent this offseason. That’s why Dortch’s presence, with his 145 career catches on his NFL resume, is so intriguing. This dude can bring what that Bills receiver room has collectively needed for two seasons: man-coverage separation ability. Remember that brutal 2024 loss in Houston to the Texans? That was one of Allen’s least productive throwing performances, and all anyone could talk about afterward was his receivers’ inability to get open. Sure, Amari Cooper showed up two weeks later and caught a touchdown from Allen in a win over the Tennessee Titans, but that was just a band-aid.
Despite an incredible 525 points, a 13-4 record, an AFC Championship Game appearance, and Allen grabbing MVP hardware that year, the Bills didn’t exactly load up on more receiver talent. The separation problem lingered right into 2025. According to Fantasy Points’ film-based metric, Palmer was the *only* Bills receiver who was above average in man-coverage separation score. That’s a huge issue that Dortch could genuinely address.
So yeah, on the surface, Dortch is your new punt returner. But if Joe Brady and the Bills coaching staff are half as smart as they seem, they’re already dreaming of how his 145 career catches could start making a real impact in their receiver room. This isn’t just a special teams add; it could be the sleeper move that finally gives Josh Allen the consistent separation he’s been missing. You gotta watch how they use him next, because if he clicks, this could change the entire vibe for that Bills offense.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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